New from Lexus for 2012

New cars from Lexus for the 2012 model year.

Lexus has been broadening its luxury-Toyota image in two directions: performance through its F series and hybrid through its h models. Exemplary of this for 2012 is the LFA Nürburgring Package, 50 of which extend performance of its already limited-edition LFA. (Only 500 in total will be produced.) A subject of much rumor is the GS F: Might this car share the LFA's hyper-exotic V-10 power? (No way! That engine is vastly expensive.) What about a 465-bhp 5.0-liter V-8 for this BMW M5 competitor? (Yes.) And a 2012 introduction? (Likely, but not yet announced at press time.)

When the 2012 CT 200h broke cover last fall, we called this $30K compact an "affordable enthusiast hybrid." It joins the HS, RX, GS and LS in the marque's expanding hybrid array.